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In this special episode of Kabatalks, Brian and John are joined by longtime political strategist and USC professor Dan Schnur for a wide-ranging conversation on California as the proving ground for national political ambition. From crime and public safety to wildfires, affordability, and governance, the group discusses why California’s unresolved challenges are increasingly shaping how voters judge leadership, both inside the state and across the country.

They explore the growing gap between political messaging and real-world results, the risks facing elected officials with national aspirations, and what accountability looks like in a political environment with little margin for error. With Schnur’s insider perspective, the conversation digs deeper into how California’s successes and failures now carry consequences far beyond the state. And we're even given a little taste of Schnur's favorite - and not so favorite - holiday food items!

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To learn more about John Kabateck's firm visit Kabateck Strategies
To learn more about Brian's firm visit KBK Law

Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you.

In this episode, Brian and John break down Proposition 36 — what it changes, why voters backed it, and the growing fight over how to fund it. They tackle the core debates around public safety, rehabilitation, and whether the measure deepens existing disparities in California’s justice system.

The conversation then turns to the rapidly expanding 2026 governor’s race, from early frontrunners like Antonio Villaraigosa and Katie Porter to the challenges facing billionaire candidates and the ripple effects of national politics. To close, the brothers each share one Trump policy they support and one they strongly oppose, offering a sharp but thoughtful exchange heading into Thanksgiving week.

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To learn more about John Kabateck's firm visit Kabateck Strategies
To learn more about Brian's firm visit KBK Law

Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you.

In this episode, the guys dive into the fallout from Election Night — starting with Proposition 50 in California and what its passage means for redistricting, representation, and the balance of political power. They get into the messaging wars, the motivations of voters on both sides, and why the redistricting conversation has become a proxy battle for the national political identity crisis.

They also take a broader look at key Governor’s races and the New York mayoral shake-up, discussing what these outcomes could mean heading into the 2026 and 2028 election cycles. And in a thoughtful moment, Brian and John reflect on the legacy of former Vice President Dick Cheney following his passing, and what patriotism, service, and conviction look like in politics today.

If you enjoy hearing what we have to say, albeit somewhat irreverent and rarely do we agree, please subscribe or follow and us and leave a comment. We would love to hear from you.
To learn more about John Kabateck's firm visit Kabateck Strategies
To learn more about Brian's firm visit KBK Law

Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you.

In this episode, the guys sit down with California Assemblymember John Harabedian to talk about his path from prosecutor to public servant and the issues shaping Sacramento today. They dig into his legislative priorities, from tackling homelessness and housing affordability to strengthening consumer protections and safeguarding voting rights.

They also get into the political dynamics of California’s Assembly, the balance between local and statewide interests, and how younger lawmakers are approaching public service in a changing political climate. And in a lighter twist, listeners get a glimpse into John’s personal life — like the time Assemblymember Harabedian went to Warped Tour.

If you enjoy hearing what we have to say, albeit somewhat irreverent and rarely do we agree, please subscribe or follow and us and leave a comment. We would love to hear from you.
To learn more about John Kabateck's firm visit Kabateck Strategies
To learn more about Brian's firm visit KBK Law

Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you.

In this episode, the guys dig into the controversial “Big Beautiful Bill” passed by House Republicans this spring — a large package that cuts billions from food aid, relaxes regulations, supports fossil fuel projects, and includes tax breaks like the no-tax-on-tips provision, all wrapped inside a farm bill.

They break down the startling incident in Los Angeles where Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed from a DHS press conference despite having official escorts, sparking questions about political tensions and press access.

They also cover the growing “No Kings” protest movement pushing back against authoritarianism and the spectacle of the military parade held in Washington, D.C. on Trump’s birthday — tanks, flyovers, and all.

If you enjoy hearing what we have to say, albeit somewhat irreverent and rarely do we agree, please subscribe or follow and us and leave a comment. We would love to hear from you.
To learn more about John Kabateck's firm visit Kabateck Strategies
To learn more about Brian's firm visit KBK Law

Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you.

In this episode of Kabatalks, John and Brian square off over one of the most explosive headlines in California politics: the deployment of federal troops to Los Angeles amidst ICE raids and growing street protests. Was it a necessary response to chaos—or a dangerous overreach?

The conversation dives deep into the legal thresholds for using the National Guard without a governor’s consent, the historic precedent (or lack thereof), and whether President Trump’s move crosses the constitutional line.

They also explore whether the GOP risks losing Latino voters for another generation—and if this moment could define the 2026 midterms and beyond.

Love a spirited back-and-forth? Then this one’s for you.

If you enjoy hearing what we have to say, albeit somewhat irreverent and rarely do we agree, please subscribe or follow and us and leave a comment. We would love to hear from you.
To learn more about John Kabateck's firm visit Kabateck Strategies
To learn more about Brian's firm visit KBK Law

Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you.

In this episode, we sit down with Assemblymember Laurie Davies to explore the evolving mood in Sacramento—Is it tense? Collaborative? Or somewhere in between? A former small business owner, Davies offers her take on how bipartisan cooperation can still thrive, even in a deeply divided political climate. We dig into her top priorities for the year, her honest views on Governor Newsom’s performance, and what it will take for the GOP to regain relevance in California.

We also tackle the real-world impact of federal tariff policies on California’s economy and whether any Republican contenders are poised to break through statewide. And of course, we wrap it up with a round of rapid-fire favorites to get to know the Assemblymember beyond the podium.

If you enjoy hearing what we have to say—albeit somewhat irreverent and rarely in full agreement—please subscribe or follow us and leave a comment. We’d love to hear from you.

To learn more about John Kabateck’s firm, visit Kabateck Strategies
To learn more about Brian’s firm, visit KBK Law

If you enjoy hearing what we have to say, albeit somewhat irreverent and rarely do we agree, please subscribe or follow and us and leave a comment. We would love to hear from you.
To learn more about John Kabateck's firm visit Kabateck Strategies
To learn more about Brian's firm visit KBK Law

Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you.

What makes California's legislative environment a breeding ground for cooperation, even amidst political supermajorities? Join us as we promise a deeper understanding of the unique dynamics within the California Senate, courtesy of our conversation with State Senator Tom Umberg. With his extensive background as a federal criminal prosecutor and former deputy drug czar, Senator Umberg shares his insightful perspective on the camaraderie and collaboration that define California's government—an intriguing contrast to the often divisive U.S. House of Representatives. Together, we unpack the strategies behind bipartisan efforts to tackle issues like the Los Angeles fires, shedding light on how working across party lines can lead to effective crisis management.

In addition to legislative cooperation, our discussion takes a hard look at the state's proactive stance on critical issues like climate change and criminal justice reform. We examine the implications of Proposition 36 with its introduction of Alexandra's Law, aiming to reshape accountability in fentanyl distribution and retail theft, while providing pathways for rehabilitation and second chances. California's determination to maintain autonomy in setting standards for climate and reproductive rights becomes a focal point, as we explore whether these measures are well-calculated defenses or perhaps overzealous reactions. In addition, we'll have a little fun and get to know Senator Umberg on a more personal level as we do our rapid fire favorites with our guests. This episode promises a comprehensive exploration of how California navigates its legislative challenges, offering thought-provoking insights into the balance between preparation and overreaction in policy-making.

If you enjoy hearing what we have to say, albeit somewhat irreverent and rarely do we agree, please subscribe or follow and us and leave a comment. We would love to hear from you.
To learn more about John Kabateck's firm visit Kabateck Strategies
To learn more about Brian's firm visit KBK Law